1
as in to collapse
to fall down or in as a result of physical pressure
the flimsy bridge buckled under the weight of the caravan of trucks
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to devote
to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention
buckled himself down and finished the assignment in record time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of buckle
Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
And then there was the Hornets defense, a stretch but don’t buckle unit.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2025
Alex Sales, Glamour, 25 Oct. 2025
Gihgoew Long-Sleeve T-Shirt More than 3,000 shoppers have recently purchased this long-sleeve T-shirt that features a round neckline with a decorative metal buckle and keyhole cutout.
—Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buckle
Verb
Even large value retailers are buckling now.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
And then there was the Hornets defense, a stretch but don’t buckle unit.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2025
Noun
In winter 2025, shoes typically associated with our beloved grannies—think square-toe silhouettes, short block heels, and discreet buckles—have resurfaced as an elegant footwear alternative.
—Alex Sales, Glamour, 25 Oct. 2025
Gihgoew Long-Sleeve T-Shirt More than 3,000 shoppers have recently purchased this long-sleeve T-shirt that features a round neckline with a decorative metal buckle and keyhole cutout.
—Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buckle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buckle
Verb
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Those shows come from a time when fisheries were collapsing and regulations meant to save them forced fishermen into a daily sprint to the bottom.—
Dan Morrison,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
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Gilbert is hardly the only celebrity lending their support to Ryder’s Law, which was named after a horse who died in Manhattan in 2022 after collapsing in the August heat.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The Spanish chef’s fine-dining concept is an homage to the glories of the world’s oceans, with a strong emphasis on the bounty of the local waters that includes lionfish, Mahi Mahi, and an entire menu section devoted entirely to various renditions of conch.—
Jesse Ashlock,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
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But Man-su, who has devoted his life to the careful cultivation of paper products while everyone else has gone digital, has an easier time setting his crime in motion than in executing it.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Whenever Heyward's name comes up for Hall of Fame consideration five years after his retirement, whoever is presenting his case should put Sunday night's game on a loop.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Jan. 2026
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The world of November 18th has expanded in each previous book, from a personal loop to including more loopers—but now, the genre-pushing edges of the story blow outwards as Tara and the other loopers end up creating a headquarters of sorts in Bremen.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Kings went into the halftime break with a 58-46 lead and a 22-5 advantage in fastbreak points.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026
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While strolling in New York City, Katie Holmes went for a casual vibe in baggy black jeans with a light jacket and a crossbody bag, while Jennifer Garner's pair had a touch of subtle elegance with gold-tone hardware.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Regional restrictions may apply.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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Future research could explore whether similar biases apply to other visible traits, such as race or disability.—
Abby Frank,
The Conversation,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The reversible Nancy boot in black and brown suede, which features a soft, turn-up upper that folds over the entire boot.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
6 Jan. 2026
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Crow’s feet, under-eye wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and cheek folds, among others, were all reduced after 12 weeks, while skin texture overall appears more smooth and glass-like.—
Kathleen Baird-Murray,
Vogue,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Most analysts who spoke with said that the Senate will be a tougher feat for Democrats than the House, although there is still a lot up in the air, given ongoing and potentially upcoming redistricting plans and rules.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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Soeren Stache | Picture Alliance | Getty Images Microsoft is giving employees a way to raise concerns about the uses of its technology after controversy emerged over the company's work in the Middle East.—
Jordan Novet,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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China’s deflation trap China’s deflationary spiral will deepen and Beijing won’t do anything to stop it.—
Ian Bremmer,
Time,
6 Jan. 2026
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The Knicks miss Josh Hart, but Hart’s absence shouldn’t have sent this team down a dark spiral.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Buckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buckle. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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